Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silver. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of a young Grand Duke Carl Alexander with the circular inscription ‘CARL ALEXANDER GROSSHERZOG VON SACHSEN’. Below the neck is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘HELFRICHT F.’. The reverse features a wreath of oak leaves, cross-tied at the top and bottom by a ribbon, with the inscription ‘DEM VERDIENSTE’ (‘for merit’) in the centre. On a loop for suspension, on a black ribbon with a yellow inner and green outer border on each side.

History

The Merit Medal was originally instituted by Grand Duke Charles Augustus, and it was awarded in recognition of distinguished civil service to the grand duchy.

The Type III medals were redesigned by Grand Duke Carl Alexander and featured his young portrait on the obverse.

The Type III Silver Medals were also awarded for civil merit during the war of 1870.

The Silver Medals awarded for merit in the war of 1870 featured a different reverse inscription, reading "DEM VERDIENSTE 1870", and may feature a crossed swords clasp on the ribbon.

There is limited information regarding this item.